NC furniture plant plans to close in 2 months

SHELBY, N.C. — A furniture manufacturing plant in western North Carolina plans to close in two months, eliminating more than 100 jobs.

Bernhardt Furniture officials said Monday they will close by June 12 unless there is a dramatic change in the furniture market.

The Star of Shelby reported the plant has operated in the city nearly 40 years.

Human resources vice president William Howard says the employees he met with Monday were sad but understanding.

Lenoir-based Bernhardt has no plans to dismantle the plant, hoping for an upturn in the economy.

Howard says furniture is a very discretionary item. He says the company’s upholstery plants in Shelby and Lenoir have reduced operations for several weeks because of decreased demand.

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